Cardiff Castle – Review
When the Year 1 homework came home last week suggesting a piece of work about new topic Kings, Queens and Castles, there was one obvious contender for some child-friendly background research. A trip to Cardiff Castle.
It is an obvious choice for families living in Bristol. The train from Temple Meads goes directly to Cardiff Central, taking less than one hour with a five minute walk from station to destination.
As well as a castle ticket, there are various additional tours which run throughout the year. We went on the House Tour. For an additional few pounds this gave us a friendly and knowledgeable guide to take us through the house and impart background history. Highlights of this include a beautifully decorated children’s nursery and a stunning rooftop garden.
The castle and house features periods of history from the Romans, through the obvious Victorian Gothic and the inner walled walk giving visitors a chance to experience what it would have been like to shelter in the deep walls during The Blitz.
We spent just over three hours exploring the various elements of the house and castle and found it completely justified its entrance fee. Children can see first hand all the elements of a castle and though high up with lots of steps, the Normal Keep is incredible.
Don’t miss the Cardiff Castle museum of the Welsh Soldier, which is informative and incredibly child friendly.
With the weather warming up and more sunshine on the way, this is a marvellous day out. Other places of interest in the area include Bute Park, National Museum Cardiff and the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay.
Train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central for one adult and two children – £25
Entry to Cardiff Castle is free for under five years then from £9.